When the guardians of the law themselves cover themselves with the cloak of oppression, where will the hope of justice arise? The custodial death of Narinderdeep Singh of Bathinda has once again exposed the dark deeds of the CIA police of Punjab. The 10-page post-mortem report is a screaming truth—16 injuries, bruises on the body, blood stains, cuts on the tongue, blood in the eyes—all this is not a story, but a cruel proof of the brutality of the police. A six-hour beating took the life of a young man, but the question is—will those responsible for this atrocity be punished, or will this too be buried in files like unclaimed bodies?
Who was Narinderdeep Singh?
Narinderdeep Singh was a young teacher from Goniana, Bathinda. He was identified as an ordinary family man, who was well-known among the local people. His family included his parents, wife Nancy and other close relatives, who are now demanding justice after his death.
Why did the police arrest him?
Narinderdeep Singh was taken into custody by the Bathinda CIA-2 (Criminal Investigation Agency) police. However, it was not clearly stated on what suspicion he was arrested. The CIA’s investigation wing often investigates cases related to serious crimes such as drugs, weapons or other criminal activities. According to the family and the local community, there were no concrete charges against Narinderdeep, and his death in custody has raised questions about the police’s action.
According to the 10-page post-mortem report of AIIMS Bathinda, 16 injury marks were found on Narinderdeep’s body, including bruises, blood stains, cuts on the tongue and blood in the eyes. These injuries were inflicted with blunt force (sticks, punches or kicks), which were 6 hours before death. The report clearly shows that he died due to torture in the custody of CIA-2.
CIA-2 in-charge Karandeep Singh Sandhu is accused of murder, but no clear action has been taken yet. The family and social organizations are demanding that a murder case be registered against the accused. But the government’s attitude is still lax. So far, no accused police officer has been arrested, nor has the government taken any strict notice.
Narinderdeep’s wife Nancy, father Ranjit Singh and maternal uncle Dr. Navdeep Singh started the fight for justice with a protest in Goniana. The city is shut down, medical stores are on strike and support from farmer-trader organizations – all this shows that the patience of the people is paying off. The family demands that a murder case be registered against the accused.
Senior journalist Sukhdev Singh’s statement is shocking – CIA is the ‘torture machine’ of Punjab Police, where torture is the only method instead of scientific investigation. They demand that CIA be abolished and strict action be taken against its cruel officers.
Talking about political parties, this matter is also becoming a victim of politics. BJP is accusing AAP of suppressing the matter, while local leaders supported the family by participating in the ‘dharna’. Senior Congress leader Sakhmander Singh Brar was also involved in the dharna, but the party’s clear stand was not revealed. This fight for justice is not only of Narinderdeep, but of every person who dies in the clutches of oppression.
Sukhbir Singh Badal’s wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal expressed grief over Narinderdeep’s death and assured the family of full support in the fight for justice. She expressed concern about Punjab turning into a ‘police state’.
